INTRODUCTION TO THE EDUCATION PROGRAM

Goals:

• Introduce and expand upon student understanding of the Australian constitution and the six foundational principles: democracy; the rule of law; separation of powers; federalism; nationhood and rights balanced with responsibilities.
• Understand the key people and events that influenced Australian democracy and our system of government under the Australian constitution.
• Understand the levels of government in Australia
• Understand how laws are developed and why.

Objectives:

1. Learn who the key figures were in events that led to federation, Australia’s system of government and the values that are integral to a fair and just society ACHASSK134.
2. Learn how experiences of democracy and citizenship varied at different times and places, including the story of parliamentary democracy and Asia ACHASSK135.
3. Learn how Australia developed as a multi-cultural society ACHASSK136.
4. Identify individual and community responsibilities, as an Australian and as a global citizen, with an emphasis on sustainability ACHASSK148.
5. Learn about the different levels of government in Australia and the roles and responsibilities of the people and institutions in them ACHASSK144.
6. Learn how laws are developed in Australia and how the High Court can invalidate Australian Government legislation ACHASSK143, ACHASSK146.
7. Understand what it means to be an Australian citizen ACHASSK147.
8. Learn how Australia became a nation ACHASSK137.
9. Investigate the importance of rights and responsibilities as an Australian citizen including informed decision-making, personal level of civic participation at the national level ACHASSK147.
10. Study government processes and systems at the Federal/State and Territory government levels ACHASSK144.

Knowledge and Understandings

Students know and understand:

1. The key figures in the events and ideas that led to Australia’s Federation and the writing of the Constitution in the late 1800s.
2. Australia’s model of federalism
3. Key elements of Australia’s system of law and government and their origin (Magna Carta; federalism; constitutional monarchy; the Westminster system and the separation of powers – legislature, executive, judiciary; the houses of parliament; how laws are made).
4. How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have contributed to Australian national identity, including through Native Title property rights.
5. How the separation of powers helps resolve contentious issues so that Australia moves forward as a nation.
6. How to use and evaluate a range of information to develop a point of view.
7. How to develop questions and gather a range of information to evaluate the society in which a student lives.
8. The responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s democracy.
9. Where ideas for new laws can come from and how they become law through legislation in parliament.

Targeted Skills:

1. Investigate the development of our democracy through the six foundational principles.
2. Reflect on a student’s personal observations and learning in response to a civics and citizenship issue, such as how a law has been made and why.
3. Research significant Australians who contributed to the achievement of federation in 1901 and the evolution of the Constitution since.
4. Demonstrate skills in civics and citizenship issues by applying analysis of who, what, why, how and what if to the resources offered in this program.
5. Demonstrate skills in responding to civics questions as individuals and in teams such as taking responsibility for respectful interactions with others.
6. Demonstrate problem solving ability such as identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different options when taking action on a civics and citizenship issue.
7. Exploring facts and opinions in primary and secondary sources to examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present.
8. Discover how people have different experiences of democracy and citizenship which differed between groups and civilisations over time and places including those from western countries and in Asia.
9. Respond to exercises on government decision making, voting, leadership and the making of laws.
10. Explore the meaning of dual citizenship for Members of Parliament under section 44 of the Australian Constitution and its implications for identity and belonging.

Goals:

• Encourage an in-depth student understanding of the Australian constitution and its six foundational principles; democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, federalism, nationhood and rights balanced with responsibilities.
• Understand the processes of the Australian system of democratic parliamentary government and how it is shaped by the Australian constitution
• Understand the institutions established through the Australian constitution and the roles undertaken by the people of government. ​

Objectives:

1. To learn about the Australian system of democratic parliamentary government and how it is shaped by the Australian Constitution ACHCK048.
2. To learn how the Australian justice system helps to protect the individual’s rights through the rule of law (the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof) ACHCK050.
3. To learn how Australia is a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society ACHCK052.
4. To explore the first three chapters of our Constitution which outline the separation of powers between the Parliament (the legislature), the Government (the executive) and the Courts (the judiciary) ACHCK048.
5. To learn how the separation of powers seeks to prevent an excessive concentration of power ACHCK048.
6. To learn about the responsibilities of key roles/institutions in the Federal system including the Governor-General, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the High Court and the broader judiciary ACHCK048.
7. To learn how the Australian Constitution can only be changed by the will of Australian citizens who are eligible to vote in a referendum ACHCK049.

Knowledge and Understandings

Students know and understand:

1. Sections of the Australian Constitution relating to the composition of the Legislature (the Queen, represented by the Governor-General, the Senate and the House of Representatives), the Executive (the Queen, represented by the Governor-General and Government Ministers), and the Judiciary (the High Court and other Federal Courts).
2. The principles of representative and responsible government that underpin the Australian Constitution.
3. How the Parliament works and how the legislation it passes can be challenged in the High Court.
4. How referendums work and the process to alter the Constitution.
5. How Australia’s legal system aims to provide justice, including through the rule of law (the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof, the right to a fair trial and the right to legal representation).
6. How to develop questions and gather a range of information to evaluate the society in which a student lives.
7. The responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s democracy.
8. Where ideas for new laws can come from and how they become law.
9. The shared values of Australian citizenship and the formal rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens.

Targeted Skills:

1. Investigate the development of our democracy through exploring the Australian Constitution and its six foundational principles.
2. Reflect on their students own observations and learning in response to a civics and citizenship issue, such as how a law has been made and why.
3. Demonstrate skills in civics and citizenship issues such as who, what, why, how and what if.
4. Demonstrate skills in responding to civics questions as individuals and in teams such as taking responsibility for respectful interactions with others.
5. Demonstrate problem solving abilities such as identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different options when taking action on a civics and citizenship issue.
6. Exploring facts and opinions in primary and secondary sources to examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present.
7. Discover how people have different experiences of democracy and citizenship that differed between groups and civilisations over time and places including those from western countries and in Asia.
8. Respond to exercises on government decision making, voting, leadership and the making of laws.

Goals:

• Encourage an in-depth student understanding of the Australian constitution and its six foundational principles; democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, federalism, nationhood and rights balanced with responsibilities.
• Understand the processes of the Australian system of democratic parliamentary government and how it is shaped by the Australian constitution
• Understand the institutions established through the Australian constitution and the roles undertaken by the people of government. ​

Objectives:

1. To learn about the Australian system of democratic parliamentary government and how it is shaped by the Australian Constitution ACHCK048.
2. To learn how the Australian justice system helps to protect the individual’s rights through the rule of law (the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof) ACHCK050.
3. To learn how Australia is a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society ACHCK052.
4. To explore the first three chapters of our Constitution which outline the separation of powers between the Parliament (the legislature), the Government (the executive) and the Courts (the judiciary) ACHCK048.
5. To learn how the separation of powers seeks to prevent an excessive concentration of power ACHCK048.
6. To learn about the responsibilities of key roles/institutions in the Federal system including the Governor-General, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the High Court and the broader judiciary ACHCK048.
7. To learn how the Australian Constitution can only be changed by the will of Australian citizens who are eligible to vote in a referendum ACHCK049.

Knowledge and Understandings

Students know and understand:

1. Sections of the Australian Constitution relating to the composition of the Legislature (the Queen, represented by the Governor-General, the Senate and the House of Representatives), the Executive (the Queen, represented by the Governor-General and Government Ministers), and the Judiciary (the High Court and other Federal Courts).
2. The principles of representative and responsible government that underpin the Australian Constitution.
3. How the Parliament works and how the legislation it passes can be challenged in the High Court.
4. How referendums work and the process to alter the Constitution.
5. How Australia’s legal system aims to provide justice, including through the rule of law (the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof, the right to a fair trial and the right to legal representation).
6. How to develop questions and gather a range of information to evaluate the society in which a student lives.
7. The responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s democracy.
8. Where ideas for new laws can come from and how they become law.
9. The shared values of Australian citizenship and the formal rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens.

Targeted Skills:

1. Investigate the development of our democracy through exploring the Australian Constitution and its six foundational principles.
2. Reflect on their students own observations and learning in response to a civics and citizenship issue, such as how a law has been made and why.
3. Demonstrate skills in civics and citizenship issues such as who, what, why, how and what if.
4. Demonstrate skills in responding to civics questions as individuals and in teams such as taking responsibility for respectful interactions with others.
5. Demonstrate problem solving abilities such as identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different options when taking action on a civics and citizenship issue.
6. Exploring facts and opinions in primary and secondary sources to examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present.
7. Discover how people have different experiences of democracy and citizenship that differed between groups and civilisations over time and places including those from western countries and in Asia.
8. Respond to exercises on government decision making, voting, leadership and the making of laws.

Goals:

• Explore in greater depth the Australian constitutions six foundational principles; democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, federalism, nationhood and rights balanced with responsibilities.
• Understand the freedom, responsibilities and participation of Australian citizens in the Australian democracy within the bounds of the rule of law.

Objectives:

1. To learn about the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Australia’s democracy ACHCK061.
2. To learn how laws are made and applied in Australia ACHCK063.
3. To learn how perspectives about national identity differ ACHCK067.
4. To explore types of law, how laws are made in Australia and the concept of how ‘the bounds of the rule of law’ can limit freedoms in Australian democracy ACHCK064.
5. To explore the features of Australian democracy that enable active participation ACHCK062.
6. To identify diverse belief systems in Australia, analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging (e.g. customary law for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the variety of values, beliefs and religions practiced in contemporary Australia) ACHCK065, ACHCK066.

Knowledge and Understandings

Students know and understand:

1. Constitutional rights such as, freedom of political communication, religion and movement and that each support active participation in Australia’s democracy, but that can be limited by law.
2. How citizens can participate in Australia’s democracy, including through the electoral system, contact with their elected representatives, the use of lobby groups and direct action.
3. How to manage situations when rights and freedoms are in conflict including those in the community and the parliament. The role of the judiciary to interpret and resolve conflict.
4. How elected representatives can advocate on behalf of citizens.
5. How citizens have taken direct action such as organising a public demonstration or social media campaign.
6. How laws are made in Australia through parliaments (statutory law) and through the courts (common law).
7. The types of law in Australia including criminal law and civil law, and exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples customary law.
8. How to develop questions and gather a range of information to evaluate the society in which a student lives.
9. The responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s parliamentary democracy.
10. The shared values of Australian citizenship and the formal rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens.

 Targeted Skills:

1. Investigate the development of Australian democracy through the Constitution and its six foundational principles.
2. Reflect on students own observations and learning in response to a civics and citizenship issue, such as how a law has been made and why.
3. Demonstrate skills in civics and citizenship issues such as who, what, why, how and what if.
4. Demonstrate skills in responding to civics questions as individuals and in teams such as taking responsibility for respectful interactions with others. Use democratic processes to reach consensus on a course of action relating to a civics or citizenship issue and plan for that action.
5. Demonstrate problem solving abilities such as identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different options when taking action on a civics and citizenship issue.
6. Exploring facts and opinions in primary and secondary sources to examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present.
7. Discover how people have different experiences of democracy and citizenship that differed between groups and civilisations over time and places including those from western countries and in Asia.
8. Respond to exercises on government decision making, voting, leadership and the making of laws. Debate whether voting should remain compulsory in Australia.
9. Appreciate multiple perspectives and use strategies to mediate differences.
10. Reflect on a student’s role, rights and responsibilities as a citizen in Australia’s democracy.

Goals:

• Consolidate student knowledge of the Australian constitution six foundational principles; democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, federalism, nationhood and rights balanced with responsibilities.
• Explore Australia’s political responsibilities under the Australian constitution in the context of contemporary domestic, regional and global perspectives.

Objectives:

1. To learn how Australia’s democracy is defined and shaped by the global context ACHCK090.
2. To learn how government policies are shaped by Australia’s international obligations ACHCK091.
3. To learn the features of a resilient democracy ACHCK094.
4. To compare features of the Australian system of government with other systems of government including those in the Asia region ACHCK090.
5. To learn how the Australian Government has roles and responsibilities at a global level ACHCK091.
6. To learn about the role of the High Court including its role in interpreting the Australian Constitution ACHCK092.
7. To identify how Australia’s international legal obligations shape Australian law and government policies, including in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the environment ACHCK093.
8. To identify the challenges to, and the ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and a cohesive society within the framework of our parliamentary-based governance ACHCK094.

Knowledge and Understandings

Students know and understand:

1. How the six foundational principles that underpin Australia’s system of government compare and contrast with the key features found in another country in the Asia region.
2. The roles and responsibilities of the Australian Government at a global level for the provision of foreign aid, peacekeeping, participation in international organisations, the United Nations, the environment and sustainability, Human Rights, World Heritage and other international functions.
3. How the Mabo decision was an example of the High Court’s role in interpreting and applying Australian law to meet the changing needs of an evolving nation.
4. Some of the international agreements Australia has ratified, how each one shapes government policies and laws, and whether  the power is granted through section 51xxix (external affairs) of the Australian Constitution
5. How international conventions and declarations have shaped Australian government policies with regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
6. That the obligations in international treaties only take domestic effect in Australia if they are implemented by law, whether by the Commonwealth or State/Territory parliaments.
7. The concept of ‘cohesive society’ using examples from contemporary events in Australia or in other countries to identify factors that support cohesiveness.
8. That there are threats to Australian the democracy, such as the influence of vested interests, organised crime, corruption and lawlessness. That there are safeguards that protect Australia’s democratic system and society, including shared values, checks and balances and the right to dissent within the bounds of the law.
9. Factors that can undermine the application of justice (for example, bribery, the coercion of witnesses, trial by media and court delays). Whether there are protections against the media and social media unfairly affecting a jury decision.
10. How to develop questions and gather a range of information to evaluate the society in which a student lives.
11. The responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s democracy.
12. The shared values of Australian citizenship and the formal rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens.

Targeted Skills:

1. Investigate processes by which individuals and groups resolve differences in Australian communities.
2. Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship.
3. Develop and use criteria to evaluate the suitability of data in an investigation about Australia’s international involvements.
4. Critically analyse published material relevant to civics and citizenship topics and issues to assess reliability and purpose.
5. Investigate the development of Australian democracy through the Australian Constitution and the six foundation principles.
6. Reflect on students own observations and learning in response to a civics and citizenship issue, such as how a law has been made and why.
7. Demonstrate skills in civics and citizenship issues such as who, what, why, how and what if.
8. Reflect on the role of a citizen in Australia, as well as regionally and globally. Considering the qualities of a citizen in a contemporary successful parliamentary democracy and the implications of living in an interconnected world and what this means for active and informed citizenship
9. Demonstrate problem solving abilities including identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different options when taking action on a civics and citizenship issue.
10. Exploring facts and opinions in primary and secondary sources to examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present.
11. Discover how people have different experiences of democracy and citizenship that differed between groups and civilisations over time and places including those from western countries and in Asia.
12. Identify contemporary constitutional topics and issues that may involve dissent, uncertainty or be open to interpretation and debate.
13. Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject specific language, appropriate terms and concepts such as conventions, international law, cohesive society and global citizen.